August 27, 2021
In this episode, Dana Smetherman, MD, MPH, MBA, FACR, a native of New Orleans and breast imager, shares her leadership journey from earning her undergraduate degree in biology from Harvard College and receiving both her MD and MPH from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans to her current role as Chair of the Department of Radiology and Associate Medical Director for the Medical Specialties at Ochsner Medical Center in New Orleans.
Growing up she studied ballet, worked as a tutor and in a warehouse, and was president of her high school drama society (just to name a few of her early jobs!) and throughout her professional career, she has applied this same work ethic and energy to each new role and challenge she has taken on. Dr. Smetherman has always been interested in how healthcare fits into the larger context of society and continues to build relationships with both her colleagues and the community to provide the best patient care.
She has put her experience and skills to work for the ACR as a member of the Board of Chancellors, Chair of the Breast Commission and Councilor from Louisiana, as well as for other organizations including serving as President of the Radiological Society of Louisiana, Advisor to the Current Procedural Terminology Panel of the American Medical Association, Board Member for the National Accrediting Program of Breast Centers and Chair of the Technical Exhibits Committee of the Radiological Society of North America.
In this fascinating discussion, you will learn how a fortuitous summer job led her to a career in medicine (and what experience she shares with her great grandfather), what led her to choose radiology and breast imaging, how hurricane Katrina prepared her to effectively manage Ochsner’s response during COVID and why she chose to pursue an MBA and how it prepared her for working and learning in today’s hybrid world.
Even though she was the first in her family to go out of state to college, at every crossroads, Dr. Smetherman was led back to New Orleans and remains a shining example of an engaging and effective radiology leader.
